NORCROSS, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Galectin Therapeutics (NAS: GALT) , the leading developer of therapeutics that target galectin proteins to treat fibrosis and cancer, today announced new preclinical data on the efficacy of anti-galectin therapy on diabetic kidney disease. Treatment of diabetic mice with GR-MD-02 was found to reverse the primary kidney disease associated with diabetes, called diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney failure, dialysis and kidney transplant. GR-MD-02 is the Company's lead galectin inhibitor in development for the treatment of liver fibrosis, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) liver disease.

"These data extend the potential therapeutic use of GR-MD-02 into diabetic kidney disease, a progressive disorder resulting in kidney scarring and ultimately kidney failure," said Peter G. Traber, MD, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Galectin Therapeutics Inc. "These findings show the broad potential of GR-MD-02 for treating organ fibrosis which positions us to develop partnerships with companies focused on kidney disease, while we continue our focus on development for the treatment of liver fibrosis."

In the preclinical study, diabetic mice developed histological findings consistent with diabetic nephropathy, consisting of glomerular lesions in the form of diffuse mesangial matrix accumulation and proliferation. The kidneys of the diabetic mice also showed fibrosis evidenced by interstitial collagen deposition. Treatment with GR-MD-02 reduced the mesangial matrix accumulation, which suggests the drug suppressed the production and/or accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Additionally, GR-MD-02 markedly reduced the area of interstitial fibrosis. These results demonstrate the anti-fibrotic efficacy of GR-MD-02 in the kidney and its therapeutic potential in diabetic nephropathy as well as other chronic kidney diseases.

About Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic Nephropathy is the leading cause of dialysis and kidney transplantation. It is a progressive kidney disease caused by angiopathy of capillaries in the kidney glomeruli. It is characterized pathologically as a diffuse glomerulosclerosis which results in proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, progressive reduction in glomerular filtration rate, and results eventually in kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy is due to longstanding diabetes mellitus and is the major indication for dialysis in many Western countries. While control of serum glucose level and control of blood pressure are effective in reducing the progression of diabetic nephropathy, renal failure remains a major health problem. Accordingly,there is a great need to provide therapies that are efficacious in preventing, slowing the progression or reversing diabetic nephropathy and kidney fibrosis.

About Galectin Therapeutics

Galectin Therapeutics (NAS: GALT) is developing promising carbohydrate-based therapies for the treatment of fibrotic liver disease and cancer based on the Company's unique understanding of galectin proteins, key mediators of biologic function. We are leveraging extensive scientific and development expertise as well as established relationships with external sources to achieve cost effective and efficient development. We are pursuing a clear development pathway to clinical enhancement and commercialization for our lead compounds in liver fibrosis and cancer. Additional information is available at www.galectintherapeutics.com.

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